Western Montana

Located across the street from the Old Montana Prison is the Frontier and Desert John’s Saloon Museums. My friend and I visited the museum where inside we found several displays of things from the old west. Guns, weapons, spurs, chaps and even a collection of Custer’s belongs were on display. The gun collection was not quite as extensive as the Powell County Museum, located just down the street, but still worth the look. The Frontier museum had many displays of clothing showing us how a cowboy would have dressed and some Native American displays as well. Take a look at the floor while you walk around as it is very unique, made of end grain wood blocks. Unlike a common floor where you see the wood cut with the grain. It was unusual, but very pretty.

As I walked around I noticed two swinging doors and what looked like a saloon behind it. I thought this must be Desert John’s Saloon Museum. I wanted to bust through the doors like a cowboy in classic scene from any western movie but I refrained since I did not want to look crazy. Once inside the saloon I found card tables and a wooden bar with a mannequin bartender behind it. As I crossed in front of the faux bartender I nearly jumped out of my skin as he started to speak to me (obviously set to a motion detector) about the bar and how it was moved up to Deer Lodge on the Missouri River from St. Louis. After I gave him the evil eye for scaring me I moved on to the walls that were covered in mostly empty whiskey bottles. An entire room behind the bar was devoted to a collection of more whiskey bottles from all around the United States. It was a interesting exhibit to say the least, just prepared yourself for the bartender when you walk back there.

Another worthy stop is next door to the museums, the Montana State Prison Arts and Crafts Hobby Store. Inside I found a collection of prisoner made merchandise. Although there were no license plates found here. But what I did find was handcrafted items, mostly belts and hat bands. I was in awe of the intricate work. I checked a few prices, mostly between $300 to $500 for belts, yes you read that correctly. I was surprised by the prices but I could tell from the craftsmanship that they were very well made items.

If you would like to take a step back into the old west stop by the Frontier and Desert John’s Saloon. The museums are located on main street, across the street from the Old Montana Prison. The museums are open daily from 9am to 6pm and is free admission with your Old Montana Prison ticket.